Biden receives another blow as Sinema says she will not vote against the filibuster

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) stated on Thursday that she will not support efforts by her party to lessen or abolish the filibuster, thus putting an end to President Joe Biden's bid to enact comprehensive voting legislation that would give the federal government more control overvotes.

This news comes as no surprise to those who follow the Arizona maverick, who, like former Senator John McCain, has always been ready to go against the party platform on a variety of topics. Sinema opposes efforts by her party to amend the odd Senate rule on the filibuster, in particular.

"I don't think it's necessary for me to reiterate my long-standing support for the 60-vote threshold for legislation to succeed. "I don't think it's necessary for me to reiterate its importance in defending our nation against irrational federal policy shifts," Sinema said on Thursday.

The announcement, though unsurprising, is a hard blow to President Joe Biden and other Democratic leaders.

On Twitter on Jan. 3, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made clear that voting legislation would be one of the top priorities for Democrats returning from their winter recess.

Attempts by Republican legislators around the country to reinforce voting rules through stronger voter ID, absentee ballot regulations, and other measures, according to Schumer and others in his party, represent a "new Jim Crow" that requires quick congressional intervention.

13 Jan 2022